Polysaccharide from Hizikia Fusiformis Enhances the Immunomodulatory Activity of Macrophages

Abstract

Background and Objectives: <i>Hizikia fusiformis</i> is widely used in oriental health food in Japan, China, and Korea, and is known for its anti-oxidation properties.Materials and Method: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects and mechanisms of <i>Hizikia fusiformis</i> (<i>H. fusiformis</i>) extracts in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. RAW 264.7 cells were incubated in the presence of different concentrations of the viscozyme component of <i>H. fusiformis</i> (1, 2, 5, and 10 μg/mL), and changes in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (GM-CSF, iNOS, VEGF, and COX-2) were evaluated by real-time PCR and immunoblotting. In addition, the associated signaling pathway including phospho (p)-pNF-κB 65, p-pIkBa, p-p38, and p-p44/42 was also evaluated.Results: The viscozyme component of <i>H. fusiformis</i> downregulated the expression of GM-CSF, iNOS, VEGF, and COX-2 mRNA. The augmented NO and ROS production was decreased by administration of <i>H. fusiformis</i>. The signal intensity of p-pNF-κB 65, p-pIkBa, p-p38, and p-p44/42 protein activated by LPS was ameliorated by administration of the viscozyme fraction in RAW 264.7 cells.Conclusion: These results suggest that <i>H. fusiformis</i> has potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.